Packers can testify that when it comes to matching different brands of processing equipment, it can be very challenging to find compatible, top-performing systems. But the owner of Westland Meat Co., Chino, CA, however, couldn’t be happier with his decision to buy a Model AC-30 stuffing pump from Henry & Sons Inc., Bradley, CA, to use with its new KartridgPak (KP) chub packer.

“We slaughter, fab, and grind beef,” says Steve Mendell, owner of Westland Meat Co. “We do a lot of grinding. Our predominant customer is the federal government.”

After purchasing a new chub packer last year, Westland Meat Co. made the decision to buy a Model AC-30 stuffing pump from Henry & Sons — and the decision was a relatively easy one.

“We did a lot of research before buying this pump,” Mendell explains. “We bought a new KP machine, and we were trying to match it with the best pump available so we could make anywhere from one to ten-pound chubs. The AC-30 was recommended to us by some of our customers as being a superior product. And equally important, it is American-made.”

Specifications for the Model AC-30 include:
• Feed-screw speed — 50 to 600 rpm (Depending on product and product temperature, these figures can vary.)
• Hopper capacity — 95 gallons or 600 pounds
• Main drive — 30 hp
• Vacuum system — 2 HP Rietscle Thomas
• Vacuum specs — 2 hp, 35.3 cfm, with overload shutdown protection
• Main frame and main body — All stainless steel construction
• Sanitation — All feed elements are removable for cleaning
• Product delivery speed — 2,000 to 45,000 pounds per hour (depending on feed screws selected.)
• Floor space required — 50 feet by 30 feet
• Weight — Approximately 3,000 pounds

• Service voltage — 480v
• Control voltage — 24v
• Hz — 60
• Fuse rating — 40
• Total amps required — 50
• Cable size — Four #10
• Includes all Allen-Bradley control components

The AC-30 began use at Westland Meat Co. in August 2003, and so far Mendell is very happy with its performance.

“We run a full array of products from one- to ten-pound chubs, and we have had no problems with it,” he says. “The AC-30 has been a great piece of equipment for us.
And service on the AC-30 has been excellent, he adds.

“Everybody at Henry & Sons was very helpful from start-up to performing any needed adjustments,” Mendell continues. “Mark Henry [vice-president of Henry & Sons] himself and a technician installed the AC-30. It’s an excellent company, plus they’re friendly and honest.” NP
Henry & Sons Inc., phone (800) 752-7507 or (805) 472-2600, fax (805) 472-2626, or visit www.dhenryandsons.com